Human rights and social justice are foundational to sustainable development because they anchor policy and service delivery in dignity, equity, and accountability. Evidence consistently shows that rights-based approaches improve access to justice, strengthen civic participation, and deliver better outcomes for women, children, and marginalized groups by clarifying obligations of state and non-state duty-bearers. Where rights are protected and accountability mechanisms function, institutions are more responsive, exclusion is reduced, and public trust increases—creating the conditions for inclusive growth, social cohesion, and long-term stability rather than short-term or unequal gains.